Member Article

Key structural developments of new £21 million Ashington Leisure Centre complete

The development of the new £21 million Ashington Leisure Centre has reached a major milestone where the roof construction and both swimming pools are now structurally complete.

The Ashington Leisure Centre build has entered week 43 of a 78 week construction programme, with the project currently on plan.

The Installation of the glazing has commenced and will be substantially complete to most parts of the building by next month, with the exception of the artist glazing which is due to be complete by mid-April.

Construction of partitions has started on the ground and first floor dry changing areas, first floor central atrium and gym & admin facilities.

The contemporary Leisure Centre is funded by Northumberland County Council with support from Sport England through a contribution of £1 million of National Lottery funding, will feature two superb new swimming pools, advanced gym facilities, spa, multi-function sports hall and studio space to host classes and activities.

Arch, The Northumberland Development Company is the development manager of this new Centre which forms the catalyst for the overall renewal of Ashington town centre and Active Northumberland will manage the new building once complete.

The facility will include a high quality library with the latest interactive technology, a soft play and a café all together in one convenient and modern location, which will provide a calm and relaxing environment to read, learn or meet friends. It is expected that the new Ashington Leisure Centre will open to the public in autumn this year.

The new family friendly leisure amenity for Ashington will boost the local economy by attracting more people into the town centre and attract visitors from the surrounding areas to experience the new state-of-the art facilities.

Leader of Northumberland County Council, Councillor Grant Davey, said: “It is great to see this fabulous new facility reaching some key construction milestones.

“The services that will be provided there are going to be second to none – and I will be following developments with interest.

“The development of the facility is also demonstrating great partnership work between Northumberland’s family of services – with construction coordinated by Arch, The Northumberland Development Company and future management to be by Active Northumberland.”